Internet Addiction: Gaming By: Caroline Duggan Melissa Hatfield Kristen Montour s/cartoonists/mbc/lowres/mbcn381l.jpg

Internet Addiction:Internet Addiction:GamingGaming

By: Caroline DugganMelissa HatfieldKristen Montour

http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/mbc/lowres/mbcn381l.jpg

What is Addiction?What is Addiction?“The state of being enslaved to a habit or

practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.” (www.dictionary.com)

Individuals become compulsively dependent upon a particular kind of stimulation.

To the point where attaining a steady supply of that stimulation becomes the goals of their lives.

Addicts progressively neglect work duties, relationships and ultimately even their own health in order to remain stimulated.

http://www.minddisorders.com/Flu-Inv/Internet-addiction-disorder.html

Internet AddictionInternet AddictionFive Subtypes

◦ Cybersexual: addiction to cybersex and internet pornography.

◦ Cyber-relational: addiction to social networking, Chat Rooms, Instant Messenger, etc.

◦ Net Compulsions: addiction to online gaming, gambling and Ebay

◦ Information Overload: addiction to excessive web surfing and database searches.

◦ Computer Addiction: addiction to pre-programmed computer games (Solitare, Minesweeper).

http://www.netaddiction.com/whatis.htm

Net-Compulsions Net-Compulsions AddictionAddictionAn addiction to online video games, role-

playing games, or any interactive gaming environment available through the Internet. ◦ Online games such as:

Extensive chat features in these such games offer an aspect missing from offline activities, and the collaborative/competitive nature of working with or against other players can make it hard to take a break.


Internet Addiction DisorderInternet Addiction Disorder

Problematic use of the Internet,◦Electronic mail (e-mail) ◦World Wide Web◦GamingInternet addiction disorder is not listed

in the mental health professional's handbook, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), fourth edition, text revision (2000)

Internet addiction has been formally recognized as a disorder by the American Psychological Association


Causes to Internet Causes to Internet AddictionAddiction One theory concerns the

mood-altering potential of behaviors related to process addictions (similar to a shopping addiction).

Internet use might be reinforced by pleasurable thoughts and feelings that occur while the person is using the Internet.

Researchers question the concept of an "addictive personality" as such, it is possible that someone who has one addiction may be prone to become addicted to other substances or activities, including Internet use

The interactive aspects of the Internet, such as chat rooms, e-mail, and interactive games, seem to be more likely to lead to Internet addiction than simply web surfing.

Social or peer dynamics might prompt excessive Internet use. Some affected persons may lack the social skills that would enable them to meet people in person rather than online.


DiagnosisDiagnosis The patient must meet all

of the following criteria:◦ Is preoccupied with the

Internet (thinks about previous online activity or is anticipating the next online session).

◦ Needs to spend longer and longer periods of time online in order to feel satisfied.

◦ Has made unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop Internet use.

◦ Is restless, moody, depressed, or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop Internet use.

◦ Repeatedly stays online longer than he or she originally intended.

The person must meet at least one of the following criteria:◦ Has jeopardized or risked

the loss of a significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity because of Internet use.

◦ Has lied to family members, a therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with the Internet.

◦ Uses the Internet as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving an unpleasant mood (such as feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression).


Are YOU Addicted to the Are YOU Addicted to the Internet?Internet?

Online Gaming Quiz Internet Addiction Quiz

Prevalence of Gaming Prevalence of Gaming Addiction: North Korea and Addiction: North Korea and

ChinaChina

North Korea: estimated that 210,000 children ages 6-19 require treatment for online gaming addiction◦ 20%-24% of those require hospitalization

as treatmentChina: estimated that 10 million teenagers

meet addiction criteria◦ New laws discourage more than 3 hours of

daily game use

Block, J.J. 2008. Issues for DSM-V: Internet addiction. American Journal of Psychiatry, 165(3)

Prevalence of Gaming Prevalence of Gaming Addiction: United StatesAddiction: United States

Internet cafes rarely used, so attempts to measure online gaming addiction clouded by shame, denial, and minimization.

Estimated that 86% of Internet addiction cases are complicated by co-morbidity.

Internet addiction unlikely to be found unless the therapist specifically screens for it.

Adolescents have been identified as being most at risk for online gaming addiction.


Prevalence of Internet Prevalence of Internet AddictionAddiction

◦ 1 out of 8 Americans suffer from Internet Addiction.

◦ 14% said it is hard to abstain from Internet use for several days.

◦ 5.9% said excessive Internet use affected their relationships.

◦ 8.2% said the Internet was a means of escape from the real world.

According to the Stanford University School of Medicine Study


Effects of Online Gaming Effects of Online Gaming AddictionAddiction

Increase in aggressive behaviorHostile emotionsAggressive thinkingEducational issues

Grusser, S.M., Thalemann, R. & Griffiths, M.D. (2007). Excessive computer game playing: Evidence for addiction and aggression? CyberPsychology & Behavior, 10(2).

Effects of Online Gaming Effects of Online Gaming AddictionAddiction Isolation from family and friends. Focusing entirely on game achievements rather

than on life events. Disrupted sleep patterns. Relationships may suffer. Addicts may gain or lose significant amounts of

weight.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_addiction

Effects of Online Gaming Effects of Online Gaming AddictionAddictionAttempts were made to survey friends

believed to be addicted to online gaming, however only 2 responses were received and both denied overuse of/addiction to online gaming.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intervention_(TV_series)

Online Treatment for Online Online Treatment for Online Addiction?Addiction?

Cyber Treatment for Online Addiction

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1064/537860694_481872048d.jpghttp://www.netaddiction.com/articles/symptoms.htm

TreatmentTreatmentAbstinence from internet useSupport groups and antidepressants or anti-

anxiety medicationsChanging the environment

◦ Decrease reinforcements of internet use Identify and change triggers to internet useSocial skills training or family and couples

therapy if internet is being used to avoid certain situations

Recognizing and being prepared for relapse in order to prevent relapse from occurring


Treatment Treatment

Researchers compared internet addictions to addictive syndromes similar to impulse-control disorders on the Axis 1 Scale in the DSM-IV-TR. Like these impulse-control disorders,(such as, intermittent explosive disorder, pathological gambling, and trichotillimania), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown to be effective.

CBT cont.In the early stages of treatment

therapy is behavioral, focusing on the behaviors related to the disorder that causes the greatest difficulty. As therapy progresses there is a focus is on cognitive distortions that have developed and the effects of these on behavior. Finally, problem solving skills and coping strategies training, modeling, support groups, and tracking progress through journals.

CBT Cont. CBT Cont. CBT is based on the premise that

thoughts determine feelings. Patients are taught to monitor their thoughts and identify the thoughts that trigger the addictive feelings and actions to prevent taking the actions. CBT typically requires 3 months or treatment, or about 12 weekly sessions.

Co-morbidities Co-morbidities Research has shown that internet addictions

are common among people of all ages who have mood disorders, anxiety disorders, impulse control disorders, and substance misuse disorders. Also many people who have an internet addiction suffer from depression, a recent breakdown in a relationship, and social isolation. These conditions need to be treated as well. Pharacological interventions can be used to treat the comorbid psychiatric disorders, such as depression, along with CBT.

References Center for Internet Addiction Recovery. (2006). What is Internet

Addiction? Retrieved July 24, 2009 from the World Wide Web, http://www.netaddiction.com/whatis.htm

Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders. (2008). Internet Addiction Disorder. Retrieved July 24, 2009, by Avameg Incorporated Web Site: http://www.minddisorders.com/Flu-Inv/Internet-addiction-disorder.html

Murali, V., Onuba, I. (2009). Management of internet addiction. General Practive Update, 2(5), 32-35.

Young, K.S. (2007). Cognitive behavior therapy with internet addicts: Treatment outcomes and implications. Cyberpsychology & Behavior, 10(5), 671-679

Grusser, S.M., Thalemann, R. & Griffiths, M.D. (2007). Excessive computer game playing: Evidence for addiction and aggression? CyberPsychology & Behavior, 10(2).


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Internet Addiction: Gaming By: Caroline Duggan Melissa Hatfield Kristen Montour s/cartoonists/mbc/lowres/mbcn381l.jpg